A touch interface exploiting the use of vibration theories and infinite impulse response filter modeling based localization algorithm

Research into human-machine computer interface (HMI) has been very active in recent years due to the proliferation and advances in software applications. Such devices are aimed at providing a more natural interface for which humans and machines interact. In this multi-disciplinary research, we propose a new approach to the development of a touch interface through the use of surface mounted sensors which allow one to convert hard surfaces into touch pads. We first develop, using mechanical vibration theories, a mathematical model that simulates the output signals derived from sensors mounted on a physical surface such. Utilizing this model, we show that the profile of the output signals is unique not only in time but also in the frequency domain. We then exploit this important property to localize finger taps by developing a source localization algorithm based on infinite impulse response filter model for location template matching. The performance of the proposed algorithm is compared with existing approaches and verified both in a synthetic as well as a real environment for the localization of a finger tap on a touch interface.